Yes, it depends on the number of descendants and their offspring. Over time, these groups may separate from their brothers for various reasons — perhaps due to disputes over tribal leadership, internal conflicts, or because the land’s resources can no longer sustain the entire group and their livestock. When such divisions occur, the offshoot group often adopts the name of their immediate common ancestor and becomes recognized as a sub-clan of the larger clan.
For example, the Majeerteen sub-clan branched off from the Harti clan. Over time, they developed a distinct identity and no longer identified themselves simply as Harti clan. To avoid confusion and to affirm their new identity, they adopted the name of their founding patriarch, becoming known as Majeerteen sub-clan, though genealogically they remain part of the broader Harti lineage.
In contrast, smaller clans often retain their original name and resist fragmentation. This is typically due to their limited numbers; unity offers them strength and protection against being dominated by larger, more numerous clans.
For instance, within the Hiraab clan, the Mudulood sub-clan expanded and produced sub-sub-clans like Abgaal and Wacdaan, while the Madarkicis sub-clan similarly branched into independent sub-sub-clans such as Ceyr, Sufadle, and Suleiman. However, the Duduble sub-clan have largely maintained their cohesion and are still referred to collectively by their original name. This preservation of unity is a conscious choice in many cases, aimed at maintaining political relevance and social strength.
This dynamic — balancing expansion with cohesion — is a central feature of tribal societies.
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